Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Benefits in Alabama

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with COPD, your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means COPD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. You generally need 40 work credits (20 in the last 10 years) for SSDI. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The SSA reviews medical records, work history, and how COPD affects your daily life and ability to work[5].

In 2025, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 2.5%, so benefit amounts will be higher. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is expected to rise slightly from $1,470/month in 2024, allowing you to earn more before benefits are affected[1].

In Alabama, eligibility for disability benefits is based on federal rules, but approval rates and wait times can vary by local office. Alabama also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need home and community-based services. For example, the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program requires meeting the nursing facility level of care and having income below $2,901/month and resources below $2,000[2].

If you are approved for SSI or SSDI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama. Some programs, like the E&D Waiver, require a separate application and may have waiting lists. Always check with the Alabama Department of Mental Health or Medicaid for the latest eligibility details[2].

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local office.
• If denied, request a reconsideration or hearing.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers if you need home care.
• Contact Alabama’s free benefits counseling for help.

• Step 1: Get your medical records. Include doctor notes, test results, and treatment history for COPD.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local office. You can also apply for Medicaid at the same time.
• Step 3: If denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. If denied again, you can request a hearing.
• Step 4: If you need home care, apply for Medicaid waivers like the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver. Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center at 1-800-361-4491.
• Step 5: Use free benefits counseling from the Alabama Department of Mental Health to understand work incentives and avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments[1][2][6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with low income and resources.
• Medicare: Health coverage after 24 months of SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for those with low income, often automatic with SSI.
• Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work help you keep benefits while working[5].

• Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program: Provides home and community-based services for those who meet nursing facility level of care. Services include case management, personal care, respite care, adult day health, home delivered meals, medical supplies, skilled nursing, and more. Income limit: $2,901/month; resource limit: $2,000[2].
• Alabama Medicaid: Automatic for most SSI recipients. Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more.
• Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA): Free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients to help with work and benefits planning[6].
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Free information, counseling, and access to programs and services for people with disabilities[7].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how they work[3].

• SSI: Federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025. Alabama may have additional state supplements.
• Medicaid (E&D Waiver): Income limit is $2,901/month; resource limit is $2,000[2].
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings above SGA ($1,470/month in 2024, expected to rise in 2025) may affect benefits[1].

Report any changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you get too much, you may have to pay it back. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips[8].

• Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center
  Phone: 1-800-361-4491

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid waivers and get free benefits counseling.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
  Phone: 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463)

  Website

  Free information, counseling, and access to programs for people with disabilities.

• Can COPD qualify for disability benefits in Alabama?

  Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The SSA reviews your medical records and work history to decide if you qualify for SSDI or SSI[5].

• What is the income limit for Medicaid in Alabama for people with disabilities?

  For the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver, the income limit is $2,901/month and the resource limit is $2,000. Most SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid[2].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Alabama?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local office. You can also apply for Medicaid at the same time. Contact Alabama’s free benefits counseling for help[6].

• What is the SGA limit for 2025?

  The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to rise slightly from $1,470/month in 2024. This is the amount you can earn before your SSDI benefits may be affected[1].

• What services are available through Alabama Medicaid waivers?

  Services include case management, personal care, respite care, adult day health, home delivered meals, medical supplies, skilled nursing, and more for those who meet nursing facility level of care[2].

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Alabama?

  Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Work incentives like Ticket to Work help you keep benefits while working[5].